Where do Republicans in the CD1 special election stand on abortion, guns, Trump and more?

Would the Republicans running in Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District support Donald Trump as president and Kevin McCarthy as House speaker? And where do they stand on abortion, gun safety and "Don't Say Gay" legislation?

The Providence Journal posed those and other questions to the two Republicans who will appear on the primary ballot, Gerry Leonard Jr. and Terri Flynn.

Leonard, who has been endorsed by the Rhode Island GOP, did not complete the survey. (His campaign confirmed that they had received the questionnaire and were aware of the deadline.) Below, you'll find Flynn's responses.

Answers have been edited only to conform with AP style, and not for spelling or grammar. Additionally, each candidate was informed that they would have no more than 75 words to answer each question. Any responses that exceeded that limit were truncated at the 75-word mark, as indicated by an ellipsis in brackets.

A separate questionnaire was distributed to Democrats. You can read their answers here.

Would you vote for Trump in 2024? If not him, who would you like to see as the Republican presidential nominee?

Flynn: It is very early in the process, and too soon to tell who will be on the final presidential candidate slate. I will certainly be looking for a candidate most qualified in domestic as well as international issues, and who promotes bi-partisan and data-driven leadership in the best interest of United States citizens and Rhode Islanders.

Do you support Kevin McCarthy's leadership of the House, or would you push to elect a different speaker?

Flynn: I appreciate the process and the record-breaking 15 elections that it took for McCarthy to become speaker. In his seven months as speaker, it appears he is doing his best in a divided Congress, and it is too early to tell if a different speaker would be more effective. I believe a bi-partisan paradigm shift, like the Problem Solvers Caucus, must start now to end Congress gridlocks, so more can be done for the [...]

Would you support a nationwide ban on abortion, as some presidential candidates have suggested?

Flynn: This cannot be answered, “yes/no,” as asked. Certainly, there would be additional criteria in any federal legislation, as even strictly pro-life states include abortions, and publicly fund them, when rape, incest and “health and well-being of the mother” are involved. This is no longer a federal issue, based on the 10th Amendment and states’ rights. If those laws changed, my considerations would be based on supported facts and elements included in the proposed federal legislation.

Voter Guide for RI's Special Election: 2023 Congressional District 1

Do you think the United States should try to limit the power and influence of China? If so, please describe the policies you would support to accomplish that.

Flynn: Yes, the United States should try to limit the power and influence of China, as policies under the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) are responsible for some of the worst human rights abuses across the globe. One way to do this is with United States policies that strengthen us domestically to reduce our economic dependence on the CCP in the long term. Specifically, this should include ramping up domestic manufacturing and achieving energy independence.

What Rhode Island projects would you fight for to receive federal dollars through appropriations in omnibus spending bills?

Flynn: As a representative for Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District, I would work to fund projects that create jobs and improve quality of life for them, and for all Rhode Islanders. Specifically, I would fight to fund projects relating to transportation, infrastructure, and the continued effort to end homelessness. I will work to bring funding for the VA and the Rhode Island Veterans Home, as well as renewed funding on the PACT and COMPACT Acts.

Gina Raimondo says the CHIPS Act will restore critical domestic computer chip manufacturing, while Bernie Sanders calls it corporate welfare. Who is right?

Flynn: The CHIPS Act faced bipartisan criticism, specifically, Republican House leader Kevin McCarthy and Democrat Sen. Bernie Sanders. Seen by both sides as a "blank check," “corporate welfare,” and “a bribe” to the semiconductor industry implies the extravagant $280 billion dollar funding is coming straight from taxpayers’ pockets. Although the bill may have had good intentions, it does not seem appropriate for the government to fund private industry with taxpayer dollars.

Should Congress scale back environmental regulations to allow renewable energy infrastructure to be built faster?

Flynn: As a member of Congress representing the Ocean State, it is important to balance environmental stewardship with needs of constituents. In this particular case, the recent deaths of marine mammals in locations being surveyed for offshore wind facilities should give us pause. Environmental safeguards have been enacted over decades as a result of lessons learned. Just because something is touted as beneficial does not mean it should bypass established safeguards.

A complete guide: Where do Democrats in the CD1 Special Election stand on key issues?

The U.S. continues to lead our peers around the world in terms of gun deaths and mass shootings. Do you oppose any firearm legislation and, if so, what should Congress focus on instead to address this issue?

Flynn: The Bill of Rights makes it illegal to take firearms from law-abiding citizens. There is a right to self-defense enshrined in the Constitution. This seems especially relevant today given the 340 mass shootings in the U.S. this year. Increasing firearm ownership safety should focus on both: populations at risk seeking to own firearms illegally, and successful non-regulatory policies, such as community non-violence programs, gun buy-back programs, and especially, increased mental health support.

Congressional Republicans have introduced what some are calling a national version of Florida’s Parental Rights in Education bill — or what critics have dubbed the 'Don’t Say Gay' bill. Would you vote for it?

Flynn: My vote would be based on all elements of the proposed legislation. I understand the national Parents Bill of Rights Act outlines rights of parents/guardians regarding their children’s education, and includes requiring schools to notify parents/guardians of their rights including review of school curriculums/budgets. Education is not just “Reading, Writing and Arithmetic,” anymore; Education has changed so much, this bill is likely to help parents become more engaged, a proven critical element for student success.

Given your personal experience, which House committee assignment would you most desire? How would you use it to impact RI?

Flynn: I would work to get on committees that relate to my platform and will strive for data-driven, bipartisan solutions. These include: the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability/Subcommittee-Economic Growth, Energy Policy and Regulatory Affairs, to reduce cost-of-living issues for the people of CD1; and the House Committee of Education and Workforce/Subcommittee-Higher Education and Workforce Development, to ensure Rhode Island’s multitude of higher education institutions become a workforce hub for R.I. in the future.

What's one thing you'd like to see Congress do to address the housing crisis, or increase housing production?

Flynn: Affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges of our time and needs strong bipartisan solutions. According to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Study, nearly half (21.6 million) of all renters are considered “cost-burdened” because they spend at least 30% of their income on housing. To combat this, Congress should increase the production of affordable housing and preserve the existing stock by possibly expanding Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and Rental Assistance Demonstration-like programs.

Lastly, on a more fun note: If you could get any vanity plate, what would it say?

Flynn: PPL1ST

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Where do Republicans in the CD1 special election stand on key issues?